Different Genes, Different Risks: Separating Disease Susceptibility from Response to Childhood Adversity
Along with her team, Dr. Patricia Silveira, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Associate Professor at McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry, has just published an article investigating gene variants associated with common diseases, considering the effects of emotional abuse and neglect. KEY TAKE-AWAYS This study asked whether the genetic variants that increase risk…
A Montreal study finds links between certain mental health disorders – Dr. Palaniyappan
In an article published in La Presse, Dr. Fernando Gonzales-Aste, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre, discusses the findings of a study that involved the team of Dr. Lena Palaniyappan. The study highlights biological similarities between depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, the study identifies, among other findings, increased…
Mental Health: How Can We Reach Young People? – Dr. Iyer
In an interview on Radio-Canada’s D’est en est, aired on August 12, Dr. Iyer discusses a particularly important issue: youth mental health and the best ways to reach and engage young people.
Don’t miss this year’s Undergrad Expo!
Come and support our Douglas undergraduates on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, in the basement of Douglas Hall. This event is organized by the Douglas Student Committee for Academic Life. The Douglas Undergrad Research Expo is an exciting event every time! Be sure to come and check it out! Please see…
In Memoriam: Dr. Gaston P. Harnois
Remembering Dr. Gaston P. Harnois and his contribution to international mental health collaboration Dr. Gaston P. Harnois (1933–2026) was a psychiatrist and former Executive Director of the Douglas Hospital whose leadership contributed to the Douglas’ influence in mental health in Quebec and internationally. We remember Dr. Harnois as a key player who helped advance community psychiatry and contributed to the…
Two Douglas researchers supported by CFI investments
August 24, 2026, This year, twenty-five McGill research projects have received funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to sinvest in research infrastructure supporting their innovative work. The Government of Quebec will match the federal investment, bringing the total value of the funding to more than $15 million. Two of these projects are being led…
Several researchers receive NSERC funding
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has announced the results for the year 2026. Drs Mark Brandon, Mallar Chakravarty, Bruno Giros, Majid Mohajerani, Patricia Silveira, Nicolas Tritsch, Sylvain Williams and Tak Pan Wong are among the winners of the Discovery-Oriented Research Programme competition. The Discovery Grants Program supports long-term research programmes.…
Drs. Ferrari and Sauvé obtain SSHRC funding
August 18, 2026 The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) has announced new funding for research projects addressing important social and community issues. Among the recipients are two researchers from the Douglas Research Centre: Dr. Manuela Ferrari, who received a Partnership Development Grant, and Dr. Geneviève Sauvé, who received an Insight Development…
Drs. Rachel Rabin and Lena Palaniyappan join Canada’s first national Cannabis and Brain Health Consortium
August 12, 2026 Drs. Rachel Rabin and Lena Palaniyappan will play a leading role in a major new national initiative to advance understanding of the relationship between cannabis use and brain health across the lifespan. The Government of Canada has announced a $24 million investment through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to establish…
ACCESS Open Minds program saves nearly $10 for every dollar invested
A study led by Dr. Jai Shah finds greatest public benefits come from including young people with the most complex mental health needs, challenging a growing focus on milder cases Text adapted from Keila DePape, McGill University, 2026. ACCESS Open Minds, the flagship program based at the Douglas, is an innovative youth mental health service…
Six teams funded through CIHR’s Spring 2026 Project Grant Competition
CIHR results for the last project grant competition were published last month. We are pleased to report that in this latest competition, Douglas researchers have secured over $6M in grant funding. Congratulations to our successful applicants, and thank you to Dr. Dominique Walker, who chairs the Internal Grant Review Committee, as well as to all the researchers who gave their time to review their…
Gambling addiction treatment underused in Quebec, study finds
Adapted from text by Keila De Pape, McGill University A new study by researchers at McGill University and the Douglas Research Centre, led by senior author Dr. Marie-Josée Fleury, shows that Quebec’s public specialized gambling addiction treatment services remain underused, despite being offered free of charge. Following more than 2,300 people with gambling disorder over…
Youth suicide: Where mental health and social adversity intersect
Along with her team, Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre, Associate Professor at McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry, and Canada Research Chair in Youth Suicide Prevention, has just published a systematic review investigating the factors that contribute to youth suicide. The article, entitled “Risk and protective factors for suicide mortality in…
Douglas Undergrad Research Expo 2026: Call for Presenters and Judges
What better way to end the summer? To make room for undergraduate research! Are you enrolled in an undergraduate degree, and doing a research project at the Douglas this summer? Come present it to the scientific community of the research centre during the 10th Douglas Undergrad Research Expo, which will take place in person, on Thursday August…
AIRE Learning Community Days
Dr. Srividya Iyer, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Full Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University, led the organization of the province-wide AIRE Learning Community Days, held on June 2 and 3 in Montréal. The event brought together more than 175 participants from Aire ouverte youth hubs across Québec, including…
Two projects selected to receive the 2026 edition of the Douglas Open Science Awards
We are pleased to announce the awardees of the fourth edition of the Douglas Open Science Awards! These awards are made possible through funding from the Douglas Foundation and the Tanenbaum Open Science Initiative (TOSI). Of the many worthy applications received, the following two projects were awarded. The selected trainees have demonstrated a clear alignment with…
Opinion: The identity trap of incel rage – Dr. Anthony Gifuni
Mental-health services must understand how loneliness, shame, rejection, digital alienation and certain ideologies converge in vulnerable young men. In an opinion piece jointly published today in The Monreal Gazette and Le Devoir, Dr. Anthony Gifuni shares his thoughts on the recent violent events in Montreal and the source of so-called “incel” anger. “As a psychiatrist…
Call for Applications – Douglas Open Science Trainee Committee
Are you an undergraduate student, graduate student, or postdoctoral fellow interested in open science, reproducibility, and making research more accessible? The Douglas Open Science Trainee Committee is looking for new members! To express your interest or learn more, please contact:open.science.ouverte.comtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca About the committee Launched in 2024, the Douglas Open Science Student Committee aims to build…
“It’s very difficult to stay healthy” – Dr Mechawar on qub Radio
23 June 2026 In an interview with qub Radio, Dr. Naguib Mechawar explains how experiences of violence during childhood can leave lasting marks on the brain and influence mental health throughout a person’s life. Conducted at the Douglas Brain Bank, this interview highlights the vital role of this unique facility in advancing our understanding of…
Drs Orri and Whitley have been awarded a SSHRC Connection grant
The list of Connection 2026 grant recipients has been published by the SSHRC, and we are delighted to announce that Drs. Massimiliano Orri and Rob Whitley are among the recipients. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) supports postsecondary-based research, research training and knowledge mobilization activities in the social sciences and humanities. SSHRC also…
Drs. El Mestikawy and Ducharme obtain CQDM funding for two collaborative projects
June 18, 2026 We are pleased to announce that CQDM is funding two projects run by Douglas researchers, Drs. Simon Ducharme and Salah El Mestikawy. Their two projects are among six collaborative R&D projects supported by CQDM and that collectively represent a total investment of $10,173,321. Supported by $3,908,482 from the Government of Québec and…
The Douglas Brain Bank featured in the Journal de Montréal and on TVA Nouvelles – Dr. Mechawar
June 15, 2026 An article published in the Journal de Montréal highlights the Douglas Brain Bank, the largest brain bank in Canada. Home to nearly 3,800 donated brains, this unique research resource plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, suicide, and…
The 2026 Douglas-McGill Psychiatry Research Day was a huge success
The Douglas Research Centre and the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University held their annual Research Day on Thursday, June 11, 2026. As is the case every year, the participation and contribution of numerous trainees, researchers and volunteers helped to ensure the success of this event! A number of short and long oral presentations were…
The 2026 Douglas Foundation Student Award recipients announced
June 16, 2026 We are pleased to announce the recipients of the eight Douglas Foundation awards that are made possible by the generous gifts of donors and the Douglas Foundation. Congratulations to all the recipients! Ennio Barbuto Award for Research in Suicide and Depression Zoey Chapman (Orri team) We are pleased to announce the recipient…
Dr. Mahsa Dadar, Anna Marier, funded by the Alzheimer Society of Canada
The Alzheimer Society of Canada Research Program has awarded over $4.1 million in research grants to 31 Canadian researchers in 2026. Among the recipients are Dr. Mahsa Dadar, researcher at the Douglas, and Anna Marier, a doctoral student at the Douglas, whose research projects were selected for their potential to advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s…
Dr. Pablo Martinez receives the 2026 Leyton Addiction Research Prize
June 16, 2026 Congratulations to Dr Pablo Martinez, winner of the Leyton Prize for Research into Addiction, on the publication of his recent article in the JAMA Network. The Leyton Addiction Research Prize was announced on June 11 by Dr. Marco Leyton, whose annual gift generously recognizes a trainee (graduate student or postdoctoral fellow) from…
Dr. Manuela Ferrari appointed as the new Associate Director of Academic Affairs
June 16, 2026 We are pleased to formally announce that Dr. Manuela Ferrari has taken on the position of Associate Director of Academic Affairs at the Douglas Research Centre since late January 2026. She replaces Dr. Nicolas Cermakian, who held this position for 10 years, and whose dedication contributed to the creation and development of…
Dr. Mark Brandon nominated as the new Director of Basic Neuroscience at the Douglas
June 15, 2026 We are delighted to announce that, in May 2026, Dr. Mark Brandon was nominated as the new Director of Basic Neuroscience at the Douglas. He succeeds Dr. Sylvain Williams, who has led this important area since December 2020 with dedication. Over the past six years, Dr. Williams has been a steadfast advocate…
Quebec Mental Health Alliance Day
On April 30, the Quebec Mental Health Alliance (Alliance) brought together all its members and partners in person for the first time. It was a day rich in discussion, learning and collaboration, centred on a common goal: to accelerate the advancement of knowledge and its translation into tangible outcomes. A unifying event for mental health…
Beyond the Clinic : How Digital Tools Are Transforming Bipolar Disorder Monitoring
Along with her team, Dr. Delphine Raucher-Chéné , a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Assistant Professor at McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry, has just published a scoping review investigating the use of digital tools in the context of bipolar disorder. The article, entitled “Digital tools for assessing bipolar disorder: A scoping review of…
From Womb to Adulthood : Lasting Effects of Prenatal Stress on Reproductive Development
Along with her team, Dr. Suzanne King, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Professor Emerita at McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry, has just published an article investigating how the prenatal maternal stress can effect the human reproductive system long-term. The article, entitled “Prenatal maternal stress is associated with alterations in the structural integrity…
Eating disorders that are difficult to detect – Dr. Linda Booij
June 2, 2026, An article published in Le Devoir highlights a little-known reality: atypical eating disorders. Contrary to common misconceptions, it is possible to suffer from anorexia or other eating disorders without being underweight. Yet these atypical forms can cause psychological distress that is just as severe as that experienced in more widely recognized eating…
Claude Lemieux donates his brain to science – Interview with Dr. Mechawar
June 1, 2026, Following the death of Claude Lemieux, media outlets revisited his decision to donate his brain to science in support of research on the long-term effects of head injuries and concussions. In an interview, Dr. Naguib Mechawar highlighted the importance of such donations in advancing knowledge about the brain and neurological diseases. Other…
Four Douglas students receive EPI Canada scholarship
Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Canada has announced the results of its latest calls for applications. We are pleased to share that several students from the Douglas Research Centre have received Graduate Studentships for Research in Schizophrenia and Psychosis. Offered annually in partnership with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada Foundation, these studentships support master’s and doctoral…
VIVA Workshops – Launching the 2026 Edition
This TREMPLIN/VIVA Knowledge Mobilization workshop is back! This is a unique and free training opportunity designed for students to learn the essentials of how to design, develop, and implement KM projects to successfully capture an audience’s attention and engage them in the exciting research happening across McGill institutions. Deadline to register: May 28, 2026 New deadline to…
Douglas trainees awarded Tri-Agency scholarships and fellowships
May 19, 2026 The results of the CIHR and SSHRC Fellowship and Scholarship programs have been announced!We are pleased to present the list of Douglas Research Centre students who have been awarded in the various categories. Anna Marier Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral Program(Dr. Montembeault lab and Dr. Rosa-Neto lab) Title : Towards a new…
Canada’s psychiatrists urged to screen people at risk of AI ‘chatbot psychosis’ – Dr. Palaniyappan
May 5, 2026, An article in the National Post reports on emerging concerns among psychiatrists about the potential mental-health risks linked to intense interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots. Dr. Lena Palaniyappan and Alban Voppel, postdoctoral researcher, discuss how certain vulnerable individuals may develop unhealthy relationships with conversational AI systems. The article highlights a phenomenon described…
Dr. Simon Ducharme featured in ‘Découverte’
Dr. Simon Ducharme is featured in the latest episode of the documentary Découverte, broadcast on Radio-Canada. Alzheimer’s: the arrival of innovative drugsNew drugs designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease are coming onto the market. This initial hope, however, gives way to disappointment upon closer examination. Our healthcare systems may not be ready to…
The Fonds de recherche du Québec funds research at the Douglas
On April 30, 2026, the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) announced the results of its funding applications. We are delighted to announce that several members of the Douglas Research Centre have received support from FRQ through Research scholar, DIALOGUE, and postdoctoral, doctoral and masters training awards. Congratulations to everyone who received funding! Research Scholar…
Dr. Geoffroy and Dr. Villeneuve featured in the series ‘Générations sous pression’
Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy and Dr. Sylvia Villeneuve feature in the new documentary series Generations Under Pressure, broadcast on Savoir média and available free of charge on its web platform. In episode 2, L’adolescence anxieuse (Anxious Adolescence), Dr. Geoffroy shares her expertise on adolescent mental health.Today’s teenagers are living under pressure. As a post-pandemic generation, caught…
Brain cells linked to depression identified by researchers – Dr Turecki
23 April 2026, An article in ScienceDaily reports on a study published in the journal Nature Genetics, based on an analysis of post-mortem brain tissue from the Douglas-Bell Canada Brain Bank. Researchers from McGill University and the Douglas Research Centre have identified two types of brain cells that function differently in people with depression, opening…
Youth Mental Health: Dr. Srividya Iyer on the program Ça nous regarde
On April 20, 2026, Dr. Srividya Iyer took part in the program Ça nous regarde from Radio-Canada, now available for replay on the OHdio platform. In this radio documentary, journalists explore the growing difficulties young people face in finding summer jobs. The program features perspectives from both youth and experts to examine the different dimensions…
Cannabis use rises in Quebec but falls among teenagers, report finds – Dr. Mizrahi
In these articles, published by the Montreal Gazette and by Global News, Dr. Romina Mizrahi comments on new data showing that cannabis use in Quebec is shifting across age groups following legalization. The report shows a slight overall decline in cannabis use in Quebec, from 18% in 2024 to 17% in 2025. Trends vary by…
CESMJ–Boeckh Training Award granted to Daniel Kruger
We are proud to announce that Daniel Kruger, MTA, MA is the recipient of the CEYMH-Boeckh Training Award. As a certified music therapist at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Daniel supports adolescents’ mental health by focusing on active listening, autonomy, and creativity. Over the past year, he has ensured the continuity of the…
Save the date for our Annual Research Day: June 11, 2026
The Douglas Research Centre and the McGill University Department of Psychiatry invite the community to save the date for June 11, 2026, for the upcoming Annual Research Day. This flagship event highlights the breadth of scientific work carried out within our community. It places particular emphasis on the contributions of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows,…
Science Pop 2026 – Congratulations to the finalists
April 21, 2026 We are proud of the performances of our students, who delivered presentations of outstanding quality throughout this Science POP / Viva edition. Their scientific rigor, creativity, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly highlighted the richness and diversity of the research projects presented. We would also like to recognize Zoey Chapman, recipient…
Annual Research Day: Call for abstracts
The Douglas Research Centre and McGill Psychiatry Research Day will be back this year! This is an important event that highlights the vital contributions of our students and postdocs to the Douglas and McGill communities. All graduate students and postdoctoral fellows currently working under the supervision of a principal investigator within the Douglas Research Centre…
Manulife commits $1 million to Quebec dementia prevention clinic
In this article, published by Insurance Business Canada, Manulife Canada announced a $1 million commitment over four years to support the Douglas Cognitive Health and Prevention Clinic, a new precision medicine initiative based at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. The initiative aims to advance dementia prevention by identifying individual risk factors earlier and developing…
Call for Applications – Douglas Student Awards
April 9, 2026 We are pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2026 Douglas Student Awards! These 8 awards are made possible by generous gifts from donors, and facilitated by the Douglas Foundation. Please see below for the individual opportunities. For all opportunities – the deadline to apply is Thursday, April 30, 2026,…
2026 Luminas Prize: researchers from the Centre recognized
On March 26, the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal held its 2026 Luminas Awards ceremony. This award recognises the exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions of the CIUSSS’s staff, managers, doctors and researchers. “I am very touched by the commitment and passion that drives all of our teams. This collective energy pushes us to innovate and to reach…
Douglas Candidates Awarded CIHR Postdoctoral Research Award
April 8, 2026 We are pleased to present the list of Douglas Research Centre trainees who have been awarded CIHR Postdoctoral Research Awards. The Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) program recognizes and supports the next generation of outstanding innovators, knowledge workers, creative thinkers and researchers at a pivotal time in their careers. The program provides…
Science POP Grand Final – come and support the Douglas nominees!
Join us on April 17 and 18 to discover the finalists of the Science POP competition at the provincial grand final at the IRCM, in the heart of Montreal! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch captivating presentations and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of science. We invite you to come and cheer on…
Innovating Today, Transforming Care Tomorrow: Highlights from the D3SM Day
On March 20, 2026, the Douglas Research Centre hosted the D3SM Day, a full-day hybrid event dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the Douglas Data and Digital Science for Mental Health (D3SM) initiative. Under the theme “Digital Mental Health: Innovate Today, Transform Care Tomorrow,” the event highlighted the evolution of the initiative from its inception…
What to do about men’s anger? – Dr. Whitley
In this article, “Que faire de la colère des hommes? ”, published by La Presse, Dr Rob Whitley’s book «La santé mentale au masculin – Notions essentielles» is cited to discuss the barriers men face when seeking mental health care. Dr Whitley emphasises in particular that current services do not always adequately meet their needs…
Dr. Ridha Joober elected as member of the Académie nationale de médecine de France
March 24, 2026 We are pleased to share that Dr. Ridha Joober has been elected as a Membre correspondant étranger of the Académie Nationale de Médecine de France, effective March 10, 2026. This distinction reflects his formal election into one of the Academy’s official membership categories. The Académie nationale de médecine de France, founded in 1820, is a French institution that advises public authorities and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of health…
Success for the first Equity and Exchange Event
We are delighted to share that our first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Day was a tremendous success, bringing together more than 100 participants and reflecting the strong engagement of our community in advancing EDI-related research and dialogue. The afternoon began with opening remarks, followed by long oral presentations by Shima Raeesi, Olivier Parent, Sakiko…
Drs. Chakravarty and Dadar awarded a CFI Innovation Fund in support of the Cerebral Imaging Centre
March 13, 2026, The Government of Canada has announced an investment of over $552 million through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) under the Innovation Fund, to support 92 research infrastructure projects across the country. Among these, six projects led or co-led by members of McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) will…
Study by Dr. Benrimoh and Dr. Shah cited in The New York Times on early signs of psychosis
In a New York Times article about the early signs of psychosis, experts emphasize that psychotic episodes are often preceded by a period of milder symptoms known as the prodromal phase. The study “On the proportion of patients who experience a prodrome prior to psychosis onset: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” conducted by Dr. Benrimoh…
3rd OS Workshop with Kayleigh Casmey & Jana Totzek
Do you want to learn more about how to communicate your science to broad audiences? Then our third workshop session: ”Bringing the Lab to Life with Science Communication” is for you!In this workshop, Kayleigh Casmey (PhD student, McGill University), and Jana Totzek (PhD student, McGill University) will introduce you to different science communication principles and creative approaches. The workshop also includes a hands-on segment, where you get to apply the principles of science communication to…
Dr Yashar Zeighami and Dr Mahsa Dadar receive Discovery Grants
May 20, 2025 We are proud to announce that Dr. Yashar Zeighami and Dr. Mahsa Dadar have been awarded a Discovery Grant from the ALS Society of Canada and Brain Canada Foundation. The 2025 ALS Canada–Brain Canada Discovery Grants fund innovative projects to deepen scientific understanding and accelerate new approaches to treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis…
New project: Predictive models to optimize mental health services in Quebec
Congratulations to Dr. Massimiliano Orri‘s team and all co-applicants/collaborators for obtaining significant CIHR funding to develop predictive models in mental health. The project—Leveraging predictive models to optimize mental health service delivery and improve clinical practice—builds directly on the collaborations, infrastructure and expertise made possible by the Alliance santé mentale Québec, which enabled its emergence and provincial…
AI in mental health: between risks and innovation – Dr. Ducharme
In an article published on Radio-Canada Info, Dr. Simon Ducharme discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence in mental health and psychiatric research. The article explores both the risks and potential of conversational agents in mental health, as well as the innovations made possible by AI. Dr. Ducharme presents the SPARK biobank project, which aims…
Is AI-induced psychosis a real risk? – Dr. Benrimoh
In a report broadcast on Radio-Canada and in articles published on Radio-Canada websites, Dr. DavidBenrimoh warns about the potential effects of artificial intelligence chatbots on mental health. Based on testimonials from users who developed delusions or psychotic episodes after intensive interactions with chatbots, the report explores the emerging risks associated with compulsive use of these…
Analysis of the return of homelessness in Finland – Dr. Eric Latimer
In an interview broadcast on Radio-Canada, Dr. Eric Latimer sheds light on the recent resurgence of homelessness in Finland, a country long considered a global model in this area. « It wasn’t so much a question of compassion. […] People were disturbed by the presence of so many homeless people on the streets. » –…
Douglas Open Science Trainee Committee
The Douglas Open Science Trainee Committee was launched in 2024 to foster an open science community among Douglas trainees and train a new generation of professionals to be well-versed in open science. Consult the Douglas Open Science Trainee Committee Strategic Plan here : The Committee is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows…
Two new funding sources for the Douglas Open Science Trainee Committee
The Douglas Open Science Trainee Committee has obtained support from Tremplin Consortium and the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute (TOSI) to offer a hands-on workshop series to the Douglas and McGill communities. The first workshop was held in December 2025 and guided trainees and staff into investigating open access policies and article processing charge discounts for…
2026 call for the Douglas Open Science Awards
We are pleased to announce that the Douglas Open Science Awards are back for their fourth edition! The Douglas Open Science Awards support graduate and postdoctoral projects that advance open science at the Douglas Research Centre and in mental health. Successful proposals benefit not only the project submitted but also have a lasting impact at the…
Which childhood abuse survivors are at elevated risk of depression? – Dr. Patricia Silveira
In a study published in the journal eBioMedicine, Dr. Patricia Silveira reveals a major breakthrough in understanding the biological mechanisms of depression. His team identified a specific gene activity pattern linked to synaptic function which, when combined with childhood trauma, significantly increases the risk of depression in women. This discovery could help identify those most…
From Data to Dialogue: Storytelling Takes Centre Stage at Knowledge Translation Event
On February 5, 2026, the Douglas Research Centre and Tremplin McGill welcomed 40 participants from 9 institutions to a warm and inviting event space in Montreal for From Data to Dialogue: The Role of Storytelling in Knowledge Translation. The event explored a growing movement in research culture: using narrative to make scientific work more engaging, memorable, and…
Atypical schedules: how to optimise sleep? – Dr. Diane Boivin
Working nights or irregular shifts poses a major physiological challenge, as the human body is naturally programmed for a diurnal rhythm. In a recent article in La Presse, Dr. Diane Boivin shares her advice on how to minimise the impact of these schedules on health. « You have to sleep as much as possible, whenever…
Congratulations to the 2026 VIVA Award winners!
The VIVA Mental Health Science POP Awards competition is an opportunity for students and postdocs at the Douglas Research Centre to gain experience communicating their research topics to a wider audience. Since May, a dozen Douglas students have been preparing to participate in one of three challenges, receiving training and feedback from various speakers. The…
Why Young People’s Mental Health Is Deteriorating: Findings and Future Directions – Dr. Srividya Iyer
Faced with the marked deterioration in mental health among young people, the traditional hospital model can no longer be the only response. During this discussion, Dr. Srividya Iyer joined Pierre Bleau and Lionel Carmant to explore concrete solutions rooted in the reality of Quebec families.
Marked increase in psychosis among young people, concerns about cannabis – Drs. Srividya Iyer and Romina Mizrahi
In an article in La Presse reporting the worrying results of a study conducted in Ontario on the increase in cannabis-related psychosis among young people, Drs. Srividya Iyer and Romina Mizrahi share their expertise. They stress the urgency of early detection to prevent long-term consequences on young people’s development. « Cannabis plays an important role,…
Hippocampus does more than store memories: it predicts rewards, study finds – Dr. Mark Brandon
A recent study conducted by Dr. Mark Brandon and published in Nature is the subject of an article in McGill News. The research shows that the hippocampus does not simply store memories, but reorganises them to anticipate the future, offering new insights into Alzheimer’s disease. He highlights the importance of recognising their specific difficulties, such…
Men’s mental health is a real blind spot in our societies – Dr. Rob Whitley
In an extensive interview with Le Figaro newspaper, Dr Rob Whitley, author of Mental Health for Men, discusses the psychological distress experienced by men, which he considers to be a ‘blind spot’ in our society. He stresses the importance of recognising their specific difficulties, such as higher rates of suicide and drug addiction. Dr Whitley…
Video presentation of Dr Lena Palaniyappan’s work for the Royal-Mach Gaensslen Prize
4 February 2026, Last week, the Royal-Mach Gaensslen Prize award ceremony was held, at which Dr Lena Palaniyappan received the prize. During the ceremony, a video specially produced for the occasion was shown to highlight the major impact of her research. Winner of the 2025 award, Dr Palaniyappan is revolutionising youth mental health by combining…
Congratulations to our CIHR Project Grant Recipients!
CIHR results for the last project grant competition were published yesterday. We are pleased to report that in this latest competition, Douglas researchers have secured nearly $5.8M in grant funding. Congratulations to our successful applicants, and thank you to Dr. Dominique Walker, who chairs the Internal Grant Review Committee, as well as to all the researchers who gave their time to review their colleagues’…
Finding potential danger signs in young brains – Dr. Cecilia Flores
In an article published by McGill News, Dr. Cecilia Flores, a principal investigator at the Douglas Research Centre, discusses a breakthrough in identifying adolescent depression. Her team has discovered a specific set of blood-based biomarkers—microRNAs—that could provide an objective way to detect depression risk in teenagers. By identifying these “danger signs” early, clinicians could intervene…
Sleep Under Prescription – Dr. Sylvia Villeneuve
On the program Découverte on ICI Télé, Dr. Sylvia Villeneuve, Director of the Centre for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Studies at the Douglas Institute, discusses the impact of sleeping pills on cognitive health. She draws a connection between her research on Alzheimer’s disease and sleep disorders. (Dr. Villeneuve’s intervention starts around the 6th minute)
Researchers at Douglas Hospital hope to prevent suicide among young people with a video game – Dr. Manuela Ferrari
In an article and news report by CRV News, Dr. Manuela Ferrari presents ‘The Road Ahead’ project. It is an interactive video game designed by and for young people to provide them with coping mechanisms and validated clinical tools. Unlike certain artificial intelligence tools that may risk validating harmful thoughts, this game offers a safe,…
Mental health: beyond diagnosis, recovery is possible – Dr Jai Shah
In an article by CBC Radio, Dr. Jai Shah, psychiatrist and researcher at the Douglas Institute, comments on the challenges of diagnosis. He emphasises that a mental health diagnosis should not be seen as a sentence: with best practice care, people living with psychosis can recover, learn to manage it and lead fulfilling lives. «…
How the Brain Learns to Predict Rewards : A Hippocampal Shift
January 14, 2026 Along with his team, Dr. Mark Brandon, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Associate Professor at McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry, has just published an article investigating how the hippocampus learns from experience to predict future rewards. The article, entitled “Predictive Coding of Reward in the Hippocampus,” was published on…
Will you be doing ‘Dry January’? Here is what you should know before you begin – Dr. Rachel Rabin
In a segment focusing on Dry January, Dr. Rachel Rabin, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University and a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre, explains that even a short break from alcohol consumption can lead to noticeable benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, and greater mental clarity. Speaking with Andrew…
Synapses, Stress, and Sex: How Brain Networks Shape Depression Risk
January 13, 2026 Along with her team, Dr. Patricia Silveira, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Associate Professor at McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry, has just published an article investigating brain gene networks linked with depression. Fellow Douglas researcher, Michael Meaney, also contributed to this study. Key Takeaways Why This Matters Depression is…
Cannabis use during pregnancy: researchers highlight potential risks – Dr Mallar Chakravarty
In an article published by CBC, Dr Mallar Chakravarty is among the scientists discussing the potential effects of cannabis use during pregnancy. « The size and the rate of development of the brain doesn’t really track. What we see in these mice is that they’re more anxious as they get older, and specifically the female.…
Advances in psychiatry: ‘It’s not difficult to treat depression’ – Dr Gustavo Turecki
In an interview, Dr Gustavo Turecki discusses a major discovery that could transform our understanding and treatment of depression. « It’s not difficult to treat depression. However, there are still some patients who do not respond to treatment, and many […] who do not respond immediately. » – Dr Gustavo Turecki The study identified a…
New evidence challenges understanding of Parkinson’s disease – Dr Nicolas Tritsch
A new study conducted by Dr Nicolas Tritsch, challenges the traditional understanding of dopamine’s role in Parkinson’s disease. The results show that dopamine does not control the speed or strength of movements, but rather provides the ‘support’ necessary for movement to occur. This discovery could simplify and improve treatments for Parkinson’s disease. This information was…
Dr Lena Palaniyappan receives the Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Award for Mental Health Research
January 7, 2026 Dr Lena Palaniyappan has been awarded the 2025 Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research, a national award that recognises major scientific innovations. This prestigious prize acknowledges Dr Palaniyappan’s work to transform the early detection and treatment of psychosis, one of the most serious and resource-intensive mental illnesses. Understanding and preventing psychosis in…
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – Dr. Sylvia Villeneuve
On Radio-Canada’s D’abord l’info programme, Dre Sylvia Villeneuve, Director of the Centre for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Studies at the Douglas Institute, explains that Alzheimer’s disease could be diagnosed more and more in the coming years. She stresses the importance of focusing on prevention and early detection.
Exciting News for the Molecular and Cellular Microscopy Platform
We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Majid Mohajerani will join Dr. Naguib Mechawar as co-director of the Molecular and Cellular Microscopy Platform (MCMP) starting January 1, 2026. Dr. Mohajerani brings exceptional expertise in microscopy and in vivo imaging, strengthening the platform’s capabilities and vision for the future. This transition marks the end of an era.Dr.…
Tritsch Lab – New evidence challenges understanding of Parkinson’s disease
Preclinical results show movement relies on a steady supply of dopamine, helping explain why current treatments work and how they could be improved The McGill Newsroom has published a release concerning Dr. Nicolas Tritsch’s most recent publication, which challenges a popular theory about how dopamine drives movement. These findings could shift how we think about…
Wellcome Trust grant to study impact of urban heat on young people’s mental health
December 17, 2025 The Wellcome Trust awarded a major grant of $5.45 million to support Youth in Urban Centres Across the Americas (YUCA), a five-year project aimed at better understanding how increasing exposure to heat affects the mental health of young people in urban areas. This is an international collaboration bringing together teams from Canada,…
Brain discovery opens door to earlier detection of metabolic syndrome in women
December 9, 2025 Researchers develop a method to measure insulin function in the brain and find patterns that can identify women at higher riseAdapted from story written by Keila DePape Dr. Patricia Pelufo Silveira in collaboration with Dr. Angela Marcela Jaramillo-Ospinaes, has identified a brain function that helps explain why childhood stress raises metabolic health…
Dr. Gustavo Turecki listed on the Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list
December 8, 2025 The Douglas Research Centre is proud to announce that Dr. Gustavo Turecki has been named on the annual Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list from Clarivate. The highly anticipated annual list identifies researchers who demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade. Their names…
A promising biomarker to distinguish dementia from mental disorders
December 7, 2025 — FRQS Impact Story The work led by Dr. Simon Ducharme was featured in an impact story on the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQS) website, highlighting the clinical and societal significance of these studies. Dr. Ducharme and his team are working to improve the distinction between the earliest signs of a…
Appointment of Dr. Delphine Raucher-Chéné to the CREST Network
December 5, 2025 We are pleased to announce that Dr. Delphine Raucher-Chéné has been appointed as a member of the CREST network (Collaborative Research in Early Stage Treatment). The CREST network brings together international researchers and clinicians specializing in bipolar disorder and early-stage mental health interventions. Its goal is to foster scientific collaboration, share best…
2025 Leo and Rachel Hendlisz Award competition: Awardees
The Leo and Rachel Hendlisz Awards are given to the best research articles of the year published by students and postdoctoral fellows of the Douglas Research Centre. The 2025 awardees were announced at a special scientific event held on December 2, 2025. Here are the names of the winners: Congratulations to the recipients and thank…
The Consequences of Cannabis During Pregnancy – Dr. Mallar Chakravarty
In the show Le matin du Nord on Radio-Canada, Dr. Mallar Chakravarty explains that cannabis use during pregnancy can affect the baby’s development, particularly the brain and behavior. He presents the findings of a recent study conducted by himself and Lani Cupo. For more information, you can read the news article published on our site…
A major discovery regarding depression – Dr. Gustavo Turecki
In an interview on the show On va se le dire, le Dr. Gustavo Turecki explains a major discovery that could transform our understanding and treatment of depression.. « We were able to dissect the cells affected by depression and realized that certain types of cells, in particular, are impacted by the condition. That’s essentially…
Dr Bruno Giros appointed to the IUPHAR Neuropsychopharmacology Committee
November 27, 2025 Dr Bruno Giros has been appointed to the Neuropsychopharmacology Committee of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) as representative of the Canadian Society for Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CSPT). This honour recognizes his expertise in neuropharmacology and his commitment to advancing research on neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite considerable progress…
Affiliated with McGill University and the Montreal West Island IUHSSC
